The Benefits and Dangers of a Ketogenic Diet For Dogs

A ketogenic diet for dogs helps prevent seizures in dogs with epilepsy, according to a recent trial published in the British Journal of Medicine.

Of the 21 dogs in the trial, seven experienced a 50% reduction in seizure frequency, while three became seizure free, said study author Tsz Hong Law, of the Royal Veterinary College in Hatfield, United Kingdom.

Less than one percent of dogs have epilepsy, yet it is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs.

Should your pet switch to a ketogenic diet for dogs to treat his or her epilepsy?

If your pup isn’t epileptic, why choose a ketogenic diet?

If your pup is healthy, should you avoid a ketogenic diet for your dog?

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

Ketogenic diets include a high ratio of fat compared with protein and carbohydrates.

The high fat content of the diet results in the conversion of fat to ketones – short-chain fats produced by the liver – which the body uses as energy in place of carbohydrates.

Humans have treated epilepsy with ketogenic diets since the 1920s.

However, it hasn’t been extensively studied in dogs.

Why Choose a Ketogenic Diet?

In addition to a potential reduction in seizures in epileptic dogs, ketogenic diets are also gaining popularity for cancer treatment.

In 1924, Otto Warburg theorized cancer feeds on sugar, which is what carbohydrates become during digestion. However, cancer does not process fats well.

As such, Warburg concluded patients could cut out sugars and carbs to slow cancer growth.

Why Avoid a Ketogenic Diet?

Ketogenic diets are problematic for diabetic pets, because you have to lower morning insulin doses to prevent hypoglycemia, according to Dr. Marc Smith, co-founder of PET | TAO and practicing veterinarian at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services.